Author Bio (About MaryEllen Jirak)

MaryEllen is an accomplished educator with more than twenty years of work and research in the field. As an A.D.D. creative herself, having raised an A.D.D. son, coupled with her many years as an elementary teacher, gives her a multifaceted perspective on this subject. MaryEllen has spent the last 6 years researching and writing her book, The Gift of A.D.D.: Shattering Labels and Changing Expectations for Parents and Teachers. Her research has taken her through more than 700 books and 1000's of articles, journals, tapes and seminars.She is now preparing a manual for educators and a follow-up book for adult ADDer’s, and she hopes to write a children’s book on the subject of "differences" in the near future. She is now a presenter, parent and educational consultant, and children's learning advocate.

Everything around us suggests that we have become disconnected from our sense-of-self and that we lack both individual and collective wisdom. Schools are succeeding with fewer and fewer students; labeling is increasing; more and more children are acting out in disturbing ways, leaving parents reeling. We continue to turn our eyes from what truly ails us; in dangerous denial surrendering our power to outside sources, leaving us helpless victims. It is only in rethinking what is possible for us, and in reconnecting with our inner wisdom, that we will regain courage to make the necessary changes. With a ‘new perspective’ we can become more conscious and empowering educators and parents, transforming our present and the future.”